When James Cook arrived in 1769, he anchored off a great bay ‘full of plantations and villages’ that was, he noted, ‘a bay of plenty’. The Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, is no less plentiful today.
Tauranga are hectares of orchards and gardens producing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados. Add to this bounty the local craft beer and the plentiful fresh seafood and you just know that this is a place where you will dine well.
Mount Maunganui, a short distance from Tauranga, has spectacular beaches which are a magnet for surfers all year round and voted New Zealand's best by TripAdvisor. For the adventurous, there’s skydiving and for those keener on terra firma, blokarting (small land yachts) will blow the cobwebs away.
So, whether you are looking for something a little adventurous, cultural or family-friendly, the Bay of Plenty offers plenty of things to do.
Some of The Many Attractions
Hike Iconic Mount Maunganui
It wouldn’t be a trip to Tauranga without taking on the Mount Maunganui (Mauao) walk. An activity to add to your list of must-dos in Tauranga, it’s the Bay of Plenty’s most iconic landmark (and one of the most Instagrammed spots in New Zealand!).
Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the top, and on a clear day, visitors can see the Coromandel peninsula in the North.
Marine wildlife tour
Explore Tauranga’s big blue backyard with Bay Explorer or Dolphin Seafaris. The sun-kissed coastline of the Bay of Plenty is frequented by dolphins, whales and orcas, and plenty of other sea life. Learn from passionate locals about the unique aquatic world that lies just off the coast.
Paddle the Coastline
Book a tour or hire your own kayak and explore the coastline and inner bays of the region. KG Kayaks, East Coast Paddler, and Waimarino all offer unforgettable paddling adventures – from evening glow worm tours and SUP lessons around Mount Maunganui, to coastal adventures in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
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Check out the Tourism New Zealand website for more information about the amazing things to see and do in New Zealand